to create & connect

Refined was created to make permanent jewelry more accessible & affordable in Columbia, SC. I have always had a passion for creating & connecting with others which led me here. There is something special about going to a party or event and selecting chains that compliment you. You pick the metal, the charms, the length. The chain is custom fit for you! It’s not just jewelry, it’s an experience. Whether it’s a chain you get with your best friends, mom, or partner, there is love behind each piece. Refined helps you connect with people you love & your community.

Why ‘Refined’?

“The Bible often uses the imagery of gold being refined as a picture of what God does in our lives. Gold, when extracted from the earth, does not look like gold we find in a jewelry store. In fact, it is not always recognizable due to the impurities that mar its appearance. Yet, for the person searching for it, the ugliest lump of gold is of great value, and the potential for beauty is evident. We, as men and women, are similar to those lumps of unrefined gold. The sacrifice of God's son to reconcile us back to relationship with God shows just how much he values us -- even while we are lost and separated from him. God sees us not full of impurity, but full of potential. He, in the refining imagery, is the refiner and we are the lump of unrefined gold, full of impurity and full of potential beauty.” - Mike Goeke

REFINED

MEET the TEAM

MEET THE TEAM

Sophia

Hi!! My name is Sophia. I am the owner & founder of Refined. I graduated USC in 2022, where I studied Public Health & minored in Spanish. I currently am a physician assistant student at USC School of Medicine. I have always had a passion for art & design and am grateful to use Refined as a way to express that. I created Refined to bring a new and meaningful experience to Columbia that would connect the loved ones & communities within it. My favorite thing about Refined is getting to witness special memories and get to know so many sweet people & build relationships with them.

Elise

Hii!! My name is Elise Rendulic. I’m currently a senior at USC where I study Public Health & Psychology. I also serve in as a CASA for Richland County and hope to one day continue working in the child welfare system and make a difference in advocating for those who don’t have a voice. I’ve always enjoyed listening to people and being a listening ear to bring some amount of peace to their day. Through Refined I am able to provide a safe space for some of the coolest people to come sit and enjoy the process. In my free time, you would likely see me in the gym or at Piecewise enjoying time with friends.

Cara

Hello everyone! I’m Cara, a USC Physical Therapy student graduating in 2025. I’m all about making people stronger through weightlifting and crafting unique rehab programs for my patients. Surprisingly, PT and my work at Refined aligin; whether designing workouts or helping someone create the perfect bracelet stack, I love the way both are creative outlets that allow me to be artistic and connect with others. Engaging with the Columbia community and my Refined colleagues adds an extra layer of joy to my journey. Here’s to connecting, creating, and thriving in both worlds!

Rebecca

Hey there! my name is Rebecca and I’m so honored i get to be a part of the refined team! I just graduated from Clemson in August with my bachelor’s in business management and immediately put it to work to start my very own dress rental business here in Columbia called ColaRitz rentals. This is how I met Refined’s owner, Sophia, who has become such a great friend to me! Now I get to spend some of my evenings and weekends helping people get creative and find pieces they will want to wear forever (literally). some ways I love to rest are floral arranging, hosting people in my home, traveling, and meeting friends at local coffee shops. I’m excited to keep meeting new faces and helping you create memories that will last for a lifetime!

Bella

Hi!! My name is Isabella, better know as Bella! I am a graduate student at USC studying to be a Speech Language Pathologist. I completed my undergrad at the University of Rhode Island where I was also an ABA therapist. My goal in life is to help every little kiddo be able to communicate and advocate for themselves. I always loved playing dress up as a little girl and jewelry is a girls’ best friend! When Sophia created Refined, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I love engaging with all of our customers and helping them permanently play dress up. If a little dainty chain could put a smile on someone’s face and make their day a little brighter, then I know I did my job :)

Be the first to know about our new collection
launches, special offers & other updates.